KCSO Launches Flock Transparency Portal
KENT COUNTY Mich: The Kent County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) launched its Flock Transparency Portal today to provide clear, accessible information about its automated license plate recognition (ALPR) program. Available at the link below, the portal displays the number of cameras managed by KCSO, total license plate reads collected, and searches conducted, along with governing policies, data retention, and oversight information.
KCSO began using Flock in 2022 through a 20-camera pilot and now manages 62 cameras throughout Kent County. Community members have raised important questions about what information is collected, who can access it, how it is shared, and how privacy is protected. Those questions deserve clear answers.
“I have seen firsthand how Flock has helped our investigators solve serious crimes and bring answers to victims and families in Kent County,” said Undersheriff Bryan Muir. “Those outcomes matter, and so does how we achieve them. The public deserves to know how this technology is used, what limits are in place, and how we hold ourselves accountable.”
KCSO uses the technology to help locate missing and endangered people, identify stolen vehicles, and develop investigative leads. Cameras capture still images of a vehicle’s rear and license plate, sometimes including part of the passenger side, along with the plate number, visible vehicle characteristics, date, time, and camera location. They do not provide live video, record audio, use facial recognition, or provide continuous GPS tracking. These records do not identify the driver on their own.
Plate reads are individual camera observations, while searches are separate actions by authorized users. Those users may review multiple point-in-time records for a documented investigation or public-safety purpose. An alert is an investigative lead, not automatic authority for enforcement. Deputies must verify the information and establish a lawful basis before acting.
Access is limited to trained, authorized personnel, and searches require a documented criminal justice or authorized public-safety purpose. Activity is linked to individual users, logged, and routinely audited. Newly implemented Flock audit tools automate portions of that process, supplementing rather than replacing human review. Images are available for 30 days unless lawfully preserved for an investigation or another legal or records requirement.
Launching the portal is a starting point. In the coming weeks, KCSO will continue reviewing its policies and publicly share updates addressing community concerns. The office will also share verified case results explaining how the technology has supported investigations and the recovery of stolen property and funds for victims. These updates will address benefits, limitations, and oversight while protecting victims’ privacy and sensitive investigative information.
Residents are encouraged to review the portal and continue sharing questions with the Sheriff’s Office. We appreciate the community members who have raised these issues and helped identify where clearer information is needed. Their feedback will remain an important part of this ongoing work.
KCSO Flock Transparency Portal: https://transparency.flocksafety.com/kent-county-mi-so
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